Public Speaking and Communication

Course Description:

This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Speeches will have a general focus on student interests within the class. Students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support. In addition to public speaking, this course will give students practical instruction on MLA, APA and Chicago paper formatting skills. Students should also demonstrate the writing, speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills necessary to be effective communicators in academic settings, in the workplace, and in the community

Course Objectives:

You will be able to...

• communicate effectively by demonstrating organization and overall meaning of speeches and research papers.
• Transition between thoughts and ideas clearly.
• Support ideas and research using primary and secondary sources with emphasis on meaning and connection to overall ideas.
• Use appropriate visuals to demonstrate understanding of topic to audience.
• Identify and create an appropriately addressed speech.
• Demonstrate positive public speaking skills (Reflect and project vocals, appropriate body language, engage with audience, tone and influenction, pace, etc.) to an audience.
• Write and support a thesis statement.
• Analyse primary and secondary sources for credibility and validity.
• Write and implement an outline for speeches and written work.
• Self reflect on work completed in this class.
• Create, prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
• Ask relevant and appropriate questions after a presentation.